Inositol in women suffering from acne and PCOS: a randomized study

Background: Find a therapy can block DHEAS also in women who are unable to receive combined estrogen-progestin therapy due to various reasons (e.g., increased risk of thrombosis, and side effects associated with the use of estrogen-progestin) Objective: The aim of our pilot study was to determine the effects of inositol in the treatment of PCOS patients with acne. Methods: This was a spontaneous prospective observational pilot study conducted at two Centers in Italy, specialized in the treatment of dermatological diseases According to a table of randomization, patients were divided into two groups: Group A 50 patients who had been prescribed: • 2 grams of inositol, 2 times a day, orally, for six consecutive months. Group B 50 patients who had been prescribed: • 200 micrograms of placebo 2 times a day, orally, for six consecutive months. Randomization been through assignment from a telephone central office independent from the place of trial Results: In group A, DHEAS blood levels were reduced. In group B, DHEAS blood levels were almost unchanged Limitations: Further studies with a randomized design are required to either confirm or discard these preliminary findings. Conclusion: In conclusion, these observations suggest that inositol may be useful as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of female patients with moderate acne, especially in the case of women who are unable to receive combined estrogen-progestin therapy due to various reasons (e.g., increased risk of thrombosis, and side effects associated with the use of estrogen-progestin). Correspondence to: Dr Michele Pezza, Casa di Cura Villa Maria, C.da Pozzillo Passo di Mirabella Eclano (Av), Italy, E-mail: [email protected]